Siam.

Manawatu Herald, 29 July 1893, Page 2

Siam.

It is understood that the Powers will not recognise the blockande of Bangkok until the French Chamber declare war. The Siamese Government has invited a fuller statement respecting the boundary claims based on the possession by the French of Annam and Cambodia. It has consented to pilot the gunboats out of the river. The Chinese Government is astonished at the French demands since both banks of the Mekong belong to China, much further south than the 23rd degree. A section of the French press declare that Lord Duflerin has shown unmistakable signs of supporting Siam, and is meeting the French Government with an insulting demand, if not absolute vilification. The Journal des Debats, recognises that it would be batter to confine the claim to territory along the Middle aud Lower Mekong, and avoid diffi culty with China and England. Admiral Humaun has sailed from Saigon for the Menam. He will blockade the river with eight vessels. M. Pavie, the French Minister, and three gunboats have left the city. The French gunboats are furnished with 700 melinite shells. Foreign gunboats are landing parties of men in the city, to prevent the dangerous classes pillaging it. The French press sharply criticises the policy of the blockade, and urges more decisive action. The blockading squadron includes an ironclad, a cruiser, and five gun • boats. Matters are at present peaceful. The Siamese Government do not appear to realise the critical position. The British residents in Bangkok are asking to have a strong diplomatic agent sent out. The London merchants, in an address to Lord Bosebery, Foreign Secretary, protest against the injury to trade resulting from the admission of the Frence claims. From the comments of the Government organs, there is an indication that Lord Rosebery will not seriously contest the French demands. The blockade of Bangkok begins on Saturday. The King of Siam has requested the assistance of China. The Foreign Minister of Siam informed M. Pavie, the French Minister at Bangkok, that ha was astonished that the reply to the ultimatum was regarded as a refusal. If war is declared against Siam it is expected that the Black Flag 3 will attack Tonquin. France will occupy the islands in the Gulf of Siam, and has already seized Rangsamlin as a base of operations. The blockade will probably extend to the whole northern part of the gulf. The French cruiser Eclaireur will reinforce Admiral Humann. Admiral Freeman tie has sent the

Plover to join the Pallas, th« Linnet and the Swift in the Menain. The Russian press exhorts France to complete her work, and destroy England's prestige in Asia. The Pari3 correspondent of the Times says the French Government, following the precedent in Tonquin, does not intend to formally declare war.